You Can Give Me Life Imprisonment, I Am Not Afraid, Says Archbishop Mikayel Acharpyan

The judge presiding over the case of Archbishop Mikayel Acharpyan, Armine Meliksetyan, rejected the defense team's motion to recognize the archives of the clergyman as inadmissible evidence in the case. According to the court, the defense's arguments were not sufficient to prove that the prosecuting authority was aware that the lawyer wished to participate in the search and that the participation of lawyers in the search was obstructed.

"The court finds it necessary to note that the investigative action for gathering evidence is carried out by the investigator, whose identity is clear. Therefore, concerning the party conducting the recording, today the court cannot record that there is evidence obtained by an improper subject," said Judge Armine Meliksetyan.

The defense team of Archbishop Mikayel Acharpyan believes that the evidence was obtained through a search conducted in violation of legal procedures. In their motion, the lawyers pointed out that the search in the clergyman's residence was conducted without the participation of defense lawyers, and the recording was carried out by an unknown, improper party.

“I deeply regret to say that you are so blatant and obvious... The court's formulations, which are in line with the prosecution, allow one to be convinced that the court has already made a final decision,” noted defense attorney Yerevan Sargsyan.

Archbishop Mikayel Acharpyan also reacted to the court's decision, stating that what is happening is not even laughable. “You can give me life imprisonment. I am not afraid,” said Acharpyan. The main hearings in the case of Archbishop Mikayel Acharpyan, who is accused of publicly calling for the usurpation of power, are nearing their conclusion. The presiding judge will provide time for final speeches to be made.